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Laminate gives you the look of real wood or tile with easy upkeep and a budget-friendly price. It comes in a wide range of colors, designs, and textures, so it's easy to find a style that suits your home.
Floor Coverings International® is more than a catalog of laminate flooring. Our Design Associates have the experience and resources to help you find a floor that fits your style and how you live. With 300+ locations and our Mobile Flooring Showroom®, choosing laminate no longer means spending a weekend in a showroom. We bring the samples right to your home.
The right laminate depends on which room you’re installing it in and what your household lifestyle is like – some rooms will demand waterproof or hard-wearing laminate, while others may be more aesthetic-led. Here’s what you’ll want to consider before your Design Associate visits.
Kitchens are a natural fit for laminate because it's easy to keep clean and stands up to busy, everyday use. Many laminates offer water-resistant protection, and select products come with waterproof warranties. Wood-look laminate is a popular kitchen choice. As with any floor, wipe up spills promptly.
Schedule a visit from one of our Design Associates.
Hallways, playrooms, living rooms, and entryways need floors that hold up to heavy use. Laminate's scratch-resistant surface makes it a great fit for active households. To compare durability, look at the AC (abrasion class) rating: the higher the rating, the more wear the surface is built to handle. Your Design Associate can help you choose the right rating for each room.
If scratching is a major concern in your home, laminate is a strong choice. Its scratch-resistant surface holds up against pet claws, and its easy-clean finish makes tackling messes a breeze.
Basements, bathrooms, and laundry rooms call for careful product selection. Your Design Associate will walk you through the water resistance and warranty details of specific laminate products. They'll also compare them with options like luxury vinyl plank so you get the right fit for the room. When laminate is installed over concrete, a moisture barrier goes down first.
We partner with leading manufacturers like Shaw Floors, Mohawk, and Cali Flooring to source, deliver, and install quality laminate flooring. Our Mobile Flooring Showroom® brings a wide range of laminate styles to your home, so you can compare your options alongside an experienced Design Associate. Choosing laminate flooring should be easy and enjoyable, not a hassle.
Laminate floor coverings are famously durable and a very popular material for cost-conscious, busy households because they:
Laminate has always been known for its durability. Recent advancements have taken it further, with waterproof and water-resistant options, waterproof warranties, ultra-realistic visuals, and textured finishes.
Water-resistant isn't the same as waterproof. Water-resistant laminate resists spills for a period of time, but standing or prolonged water can still seep in. Products with waterproof warranties offer added protection. Performance and warranty requirements vary by product and manufacturer, so your Design Associate will review the details of any floor you're considering.
Even waterproof laminate can be damaged by too much heat or moisture – steam mops should never be used on laminate floors, including waterproof varieties, as they can cause peeling, separation, or warping.
Laminate and luxury vinyl plank (LVP) are both durable, easy to maintain, and available in a wide range of designs.
The biggest difference is what each one handles best. Laminate's scratch-resistant surface makes it a standout for homes with pets, kids, and busy family rooms. LVP has a waterproof core, which makes it a strong choice where water and moisture are the top priority. Laminate feels firmer underfoot, while vinyl is softer and quieter.
Both can be great choices. If you're not sure which is best for your home, your Design Associate can help you decide based on your lifestyle and how you'll use each room.
See our Guide on Laminate vs. VinylThere are dozens of colors, textures, and thicknesses to choose from. Most laminate comes in plank form to recreate the look of hardwood, and some styles mimic tile.
Sometimes called laminate wood flooring, laminate planks are designed to capture the natural elegance of wood, with realistic textures and grain patterns but without the upkeep. Laminate is made primarily from high-density fiberboard (HDF) topped with a photographic image and a clear protective wear layer.
Look for textured finishes like embossed-in-register (EIR). In EIR products, the surface texture follows the printed wood grain, which gives a more realistic look and feel.
Laminate planks click together and float over a properly prepared subfloor. No glue, nails, or staples are needed. Every laminate installation includes underlayment, and a moisture barrier is added over concrete. The planks typically rest in your home for about a day before installation so they can adjust to the room. The result is a simple, fast installation with minimal disruption.
One thing to know: laminate can't be refinished like real wood. When it's time for a new look, it's replaced rather than sanded.
Choosing a new laminate floor doesn't have to mean visiting showroom after showroom or trying to imagine how a tiny sample will look in your home. At Floor Coverings International®, we've made the process simple.
Everything begins with a free, no-obligation consultation in your home, at a time that suits you. Your Design Associate will get to know your space and how you use each room, then help you find a laminate floor that fits your style and everyday needs.
Instead of asking you to visit a showroom, we bring the showroom to you. Our Mobile Flooring Showroom® arrives at your door with a carefully selected range of samples from trusted brands, including Shaw Floors, Mohawk, and Cali Flooring. Seeing options in your own lighting, next to your own furniture and décor, makes it much easier to compare colors, textures, and styles with confidence.
When it's time for installation, our experienced team takes care of the details. We can move your furniture, remove and dispose of your existing flooring, prepare the subfloor, install your new floor with precision, and leave your home clean and tidy. Some services may require an additional charge depending on your project's complexity. Either way, your Design Associate will review every option with you, and your down-to-the-penny quote will show the full cost before any work begins. No hidden costs, no surprises, and no pressure to decide before you're ready.
With 300+ locations across the US and Canada, we make smooth, stress-free floor installation easier than ever.
How long laminate lasts depends on product quality, foot traffic, and care. It may be time for a new floor if you're seeing chips, cracks, or deep scratches; swelling or warping from moisture; or planks that have started to separate. Maybe you've just moved into a new home and want to put your own stamp on the décor. Either way, you can schedule an appointment with one of our Design Associates.
Many laminates are water-resistant, not waterproof. Standing water left on the floor can cause swelling, warping, or buckling, and the longer it sits, the more the damage spreads.
Laminate with waterproof protection is built to handle everyday spills for longer. After a flood, though, water can reach the subfloor beneath any floating floor. Replacing the whole flooring system is often the safest way to address lingering moisture and mold concerns.
Our local teams can come straight to you with our Mobile Flooring Showroom®, so you can browse samples in your own home and receive a free, no-obligation quote.
Get our Laminate Care & Maintenance Guide for pro tips to protect against scratches, moisture, and everyday wear—so your floors stay stunning for years.
Laminate material is priced by the square foot and typically ranges from $0.60 to $5. Your total cost depends on the product you choose, your square footage, and your home's subfloor and prep needs. Your Design Associate will provide a down-to-the-penny quote that includes materials and installation.
It depends on the quality of the product and installation, foot traffic, and how the floor is cared for. To keep laminate looking its best, sweep or vacuum regularly (with the beater bar off), wipe up spills right away, and use a damp, not wet, microfiber mop with a laminate-safe cleaner.
Many laminates are water-resistant, which means they can handle spills for a limited time. Standing water can cause warping or buckling. Some laminate products offer waterproof protection and waterproof warranties, and your Design Associate can help you compare them for rooms where moisture is a concern.
Yes. Underlayment is required under all laminate. It cushions the floor and reduces sound, and some types add moisture protection. On concrete, a moisture barrier is also required, even when the planks come with underlayment attached.
In many cases, yes. Laminate can often float over existing tile or sheet vinyl that's in good condition. Your Design Associate will assess your existing floor and subfloor and recommend the best approach.
Most laminate flooring installations can be completed in one day, but this will depend on the size of the space and if there’s any subfloor preparation needed. Your Design Associate will provide a timeline estimate as part of your free in-home consultation.
Floor Coverings International® offers a warranty of at least one (1) year on installation and workmanship, with extended warranties available at select locations.* Products in our Mobile Flooring Showroom® also come with a factory-direct limited warranty from the manufacturer that covers manufacturer defects, typically for up to 10 years.
*This guarantee may vary based on project location or for commercial-grade installations.
Our expert-guided, easy-to-follow Flooring Guide was designed to help you explore your options with clarity and confidence, all while staying true to your lifestyle, budget, and design preferences.
With 300+ locations across the US and Canada, a Floor Coverings International® team is nearby and ready to help you choose the right laminate flooring. We'll consider your personal taste, home décor, and space to provide the best laminate flooring installation experience.
Our goal is to make the process easy and enjoyable, so you can love your new laminate floors for years to come. Want to hear from homeowners who've chosen FCI for laminate? Read our reviews.
Ready to get started? Schedule your Free In-Home Consultation and we'll bring the Mobile Flooring Showroom® to you, or enter your ZIP or postal code below to find laminate flooring installation near you.
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